First long trip, What to take, tools etc?

[scumdog]

Dump the bungy cords as a principal load attaching idea - those small ratchet-ties are the bizzo (just a miniature of what truckies use)

The can be snugged up and then when you next stop you can ratchet them tighter if need be.

Bungy cords help and are good to use in conjunction with the ratchet-ties. - but the are more likley to let the load move or slip. (and slip out of your grip when you undo them with wet hands and remove paint from the bike)

And oh, if you have a cell-phone have it turned off while riding and check for messages each time you stop - leaving it on all the time will eat up the battery as the phone 'roams' while looking for service in dead areas

Just my 2-cents worth of experience.

[Freakshow]

Dump the bugy cords as a principal load attaching idea - those small ratchet-ties are the bizzo (just a miniature of what truckies use)

I have to second this! I was getting a bit worried with all these comments about Bungies! That are not the safest thing to have with you and are never the right size so the load either shifts or rips holes in bags.

Go to the Warehouse and get a small webbing tie down the ones that are sprung lock. Cheap fast and useful!

[McDuck]

Thanks for all the info guys. By soft luggage do you mean like a sports abd or simmilar?

[Mikkel]

Yeah, dump the pack... It's extra weight for your arms to support everytime you brake or accelerate - it moves your centre of gravity up as well and you'll find cornering different then.

I commute with a smallish backpack (~10 kg - 40 L) but couldn't find the time to dump it before yesterdays ride... Pushing it around the corners certainly felt different, not truly awkward but less comfortable than usually.

And enjoy the trip of course

[HungusMaximist]

Ah yea I do recommend losing the backpack if possible aye. Tank bags are mean, just make sure you lift the tank bag when you take it off so avoid scratches.

Now, Toliet Paper is also good idea if you're prone to in getting 'the shits' because our mate during one of our short burns had the massive shits and had to take it behind some shop in the middle of nowhere.. and getting busted and told to clean it up.... oh god...

[James Deuce]

Sports bag is perfect.

For those naysaying the bungies, I say poo! I use 3 bungies for a sports bag and have never had a load shift, though I will say that a tie down is a good idea.

Use two bungies of med length to create an X over the top of the bag, being careful to run the bungies through the bags handles. This stops fore and aft movement. Then run one across the top of the bag and through the bags handles again. This will stop side to side and bends the bag over the seat a little.

[Blue Velvet]

It's easy to overload yourself with crap you never use.

I get into girl scout mode sometimes when packing, then take a step back and get into fuck it and go mode.

I've done a couple of trips recently, one 2.5 day 1300k ride, the other a quickie to Napier and back. In retrospect I took too much stuff on the 1300k trip but not so much that I felt I should stop and courier it back to myself (I would have).

But the warm/wet weather gear and spare gloves were essential - on the 1300k ride it turned to the south and pissed down all the way back from Wairoa to Wellington.

I always take a tyre pressure guage and spare visor.

To reiterate what the others have said, put your stuff in plastic bags to keep it dry, and if you can, make it fit in a tank bag or under your seat. If you need it when you get there, buy or borrow it. Join AA. Check your stock bike toolkit. If it's crap then get essentials for doing basic maintenance.

Check your chain for slack. Lube chain.

Safe travels.

[Blue Velvet]

Now, Toliet Paper is also good idea if you're prone to in getting 'the shits' because our mate during one of our short burns had the massive shits and had to take it behind some shop in the middle of nowhere.. and getting busted and told to clean it up.... oh god...

LOL! Oh my god... Poor bugger

[steveb64]

Ah yea I do recommend losing the backpack if possible aye. Tank bags are mean, just make sure you lift the tank bag when you take it off so avoid scratches.

Now, Toliet Paper is also good idea if you're prone to in getting 'the shits' because our mate during one of our short burns had the massive shits and had to take it behind some shop in the middle of nowhere.. and getting busted and told to clean it up.... oh god...

Begs the question "Why didn't he just ask to use the loo in the shop?"

[Blue Velvet]

Begs the question "Why didn't he just ask to use the loo in the shop?"

He was embarrassed by the prospect of soiling their vitreous, biscuit-fired throne?

[EJK]

I wish I can join you argh! lol

[McDuck]

I wish I can join you argh! lol

Just do it man, will be like 100 bucks gass at the most, post in the welli CC thread you need a floor to sleep on and i can meet you in taupo at abotu 9-10ishAM.....

[007XX]

Ok, I travel fairly light, but there are always certain things i'd never leave without. I do mostly long rides (aka: Auckland to Cold Kiwi, Auckland to Cold Duck, or Auckland to Wellie KB Birthday Bash...gawd! the next one looks really far away on the calendar).

-spare jumper
-first aid kit (they can come in small packages)
-cellphone (& charger)
-spare undies (well duuuhh...), spare socks and gloves.
-a 250 ml bottle of water or my 1 litre camel back, depending on how far I go.
-Obviously, ID and a bit of cash...don't forget that there are still some places that don't take credit cards.
-now, if going to a bike rally, forget about getting a shower, so try baby wipes. I know it sounds silly, but it is rather refreshing and helps if you don't smell too much like a warthog when back in polite society

All I got on my VTR is a bum bag type of thing, but if stacked smartly, all fits rather well.

Oh and yes, I agree with the general consent: forget the backpack horrid idea!!!

[EJK]

Just do it man, will be like 100 bucks gass at the most, post in the welli CC thread you need a floor to sleep on and i can meet you in taupo at abotu 9-10ishAM.....

AAARGH!!! so tempting!
But in fact I really cant


damn chruch on Sundays

[chanceyy]

before I got pannier bags & tail kit just used the tank bag & small duffel bag bungied on the back, in the tail kit i now have small first aid kit extra oil (riding a 2 stroke) and tool kit (since nuffing will fit under the seat)

I would not be wearing the pack .. if you do not have a bag small enough use a rubbish bag to hold the essentials & buggie it on well to the back ..